Mix things up. Vary the routes you take to make it less predictable for criminals.

Check the tail. If you suspect you are being followed, make a couple of false turns. If someone is still following you, drive to the nearest police station.

Allow space. Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to avoid being boxed in.

Savvy stopping. Slowdown in such a way that the light is green by the time you reach a traffic light, especially late at night – this avoids you coming to a complete stop and reduces your risk of becoming a target.

Pick your parking spot. Always park in a safe, well-lit area.

Use panic buttons. If you sense you are in danger, use the panic button on your tracking device if it has one.

Go electric. Many hijackings happen just as you are entering or leaving your home. Having a well-lit, shrub-free driveway and an electric gate (that can switch to a battery during power failures) can help you get in and out safely. Use the remote to close the gate behind you, rather than waiting for the self-timer. This limits a criminal’s window of opportunity.

Know your neighbour. Knowing your neighbours and the cars they drive well help you to better identify suspicious individuals and vehicles.

Keep an SOS phone. Keep a spare, small and cheap phone loaded with airtime and emergency contacts (including your insurer) handy so that you can call for help even if your car and valuables are stolen.

Keep your car in tiptop shape. A broken down car makes you a target for would-be hijackers who will settle for a raid of your valuables.